Der Hayr's Weekly Message

May 4, 2008

6th Sunday after the Resurrection

Scripture Readings- Acts 23:12-35, 1 John 5:13-21 John 12:12-23

How often do we really think about how we like to pick and choose our Christianity, it really boggles the mind at times to think that there are some of us who really do we believe that as Orthodox Christians we can take the pick and choose attitude when it come to our Christianity. Just think about what our faith would have become if those who came before us thought in the same way, better yet it might be better if we try to imagine what the world would have been like had Christ decided to act in the very same way when He shows His mercy and forgiveness to those who are in such dire need of it.
The sad reality of not only the world but more importantly of our Christian faith is that it has become what everything in this secular world has become and that is a mere convenience, to a great extent many self proclaimed well meaning Christians who desire to be politically correct have themselves become more worldly than the secularists themselves, in other words in an attempt to fit into the world they have become more worldly and less Godly.
Has the world changed or have those in the world changed? The answer to the question is very simple, the world cannot change a thing those in the world are the only ones that can exact change in the world that they live in, and yes the sad reality is that we know that those who live in this world are the ones who have created the environment that they now live in and yes we are reaping the seeds that we have sown and then conveniently blame God for what has transpired around us. It is always easier to lay blame on others for our own iniquities as we have conveniently taken God out of every aspect of our society our need to continue our struggle with the world becomes more intense because there really is NO PEACE WITHOUT GOD. THIS IS A LESSON WE HAVE YET TO LEARN. As always the choice is yours to make and remember that if God seems distant then guess who moved? A Blessed Sabbath!!!!

Please pray for the servants of God:
Archpriest Edward Hughes, Berj Karibian, Carolyn Dagley, Mary Lucchesi, Sarkis Minasian, Verjin Chilingirian, Rose Ritchey Satenig Sarkisian, Peter Mooradian, Francesca Budakian, Jennie Vartabedian, Virginia Ohanesian, Doris Hagopian, Vasken Boghosian, Hmayag Vosgerichian

Today’s Altar Flowers are donated by Sophia, Isabel, Stefan, & Ava Kitabjian in loving memory of their Grandfather Krikoris Kitabjian on the 40th day of his passing. Sincere thanks for your kindness and generosity. May his memory be eternal.

Saturday May 10th- Skinner Auction & Appraisal Show sponsored by the Ladies Guild at the Jaffarian Hall from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Sunday May 18th- Sunday and Armenian School closing program following the Divine Liturgy at Jaffarian Hall following Services.  Divine Liturgy will begin at 9:30 a.m. on that day please make note.

Requiems for Sunday May 4th, 2008

In memory of the servant of God Krikoris Kitabjian- 40th day
~  Requested by- Pastor & Parish Board, Mrs. Araxie Kitabjian, Karekin & Irina Kitabjian, Ara & Rhonda Kitabjian, Renya Kitabjian

Sunday June 1st- 90th Anniversary of Armenian Independence
Sponsored by the ARF Lowell Aharonian Committee.
No Coffee Hour will be held on this day.

Summer Schedule of Services beginning

June 8th-September 7th
Divine Liturgy begins at 9:30 a.m.- Please make note.

Memorial Day Schedule-Monday May 26th, 2008
West Parish Cemetery-Andover- 8:30- 9:00 a.m.
Belleview Cemetery- Lawrence- 9:30- 10:00 a.m.
Edson Cemetery – Lowell- 10:30- 11:00 a.m.
All other Cemeteries by appointment only by contacting Fr. Vartan